Not planning and disappointment

[chicagogrl]

A friend of mine recently went to Disneyworld. She and a friend went and just wanted to go at their leisure and not plan anything.
I recently saw her and she was disappointed with Epcot. She thought there was more learning stuff.
They only went on Soarin. They walked around the countries for hours. She said there was just fast restaurants. They didn't like where they ate. She didn't know any of the attractions that I asked her if she went on. I asked if she picked up a map and she did.

I am a planner and I like to get the most of my time at the parks.

But you don't have to but just feel you need to have some idea of the park.

 

[Lynne M]

I wouldn't even call that a lack of planning. She had a map, which clearly shows all of the attractions and the table service restaurants. Even if you haven't planned at all, it's easy enough to see all of the things to do and places to eat on the map. Or ask any CM. Or ask at Guest Services.

It sounds like she just didn't have much interest in seeing the park.

 

[ToddyLu]

I agree with the PP...sounds like she just wasn't into the "World" experience. EPCOT has its own vibe. Some people just don't get into the "cultural" experience. Therefore they just do not seek out hidden gems while there.

 

[larryz]

It sounds like she just didn't have much interest in seeing the park.

Agreed. I'd offer that several attractions in Epcot still provide a learning experience. Every country pavilion will highlight some aspect of their native land that's probably unique and unknown to the average visitor...

And she probably couldn't appreciate the World Showcase restaurants as most are so cleverly blended into the facades of the pavilions...

Even Journey into Your Imagination With Figment, with all the grief it gets, can be credited with stimulating imagination and creativity -- even in its current form... Living with the Land highlights hydroponics and aquaculture... Seas/Nemo is VERY educational (about fish)... Ellen's (Low) Energy Adventure espouses conservation... Test Track shows (in the pre-show) what design features will do to vehicle efficiency...

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree with the PP...sounds like she just wasn't into the "World" experience. EPCOT has its own vibe. Some people just don't get into the "cultural" experience. Therefore they just do not seek out hidden gems while there.

I'd go as far to say as the OP's friend didn't even want to be at Epcot in the first place, if she couldn't even bother to read the map she picked up.

 

[chicagogrl]

Yes I agree. I think she did want to go but just didn't get it. I talked with her about fast passes and reservations and they didn't want to be somewhere at a set time.

It s just too bad since they were there for about five hours walking around they didn't know there was a fireworks show. They left early. . I think they only went on two of the rides. Nemo and Soarin. I think they thought they would just wander around and go on rides. I also don't think she understood that the world showcase is different.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yes I agree. Just too bad since I tried to talk with her before they went. But she said they just wanted to go when they wanted and not when it opened. It s just too bad since they were there for about five hours walking around they didn't know there was a fireworks show. They left early. . I think they only went on two of the rides. Nemo and Soarin. I think they thought they would just wander around and go on rides. I also don't think she understood that the world showcase is different.

Wandering around I get. But how could she miss the rest of the rides and the shows?

 

[chicagogrl]

Right and I think they thought it was just stores. I think they went over to the world showcase I don't know.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

That sounds like a Disney dream guest. Full price admission very little activities and then leaving. That's the type of person Iger will tell you loved FP+ because it got them in and out of the park quicker.

 

[chicagogrl]

So true!
But they didn't do Fastpass. It is especially hard for me to understand since I am a planner and usually plan all of our trips. I just like to make sure we see the sights where we are and maybe check out some places to eat ahead of time.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with everyone, sounds like they just didn't want to be there When I got to Epcot, the only FP I ever use is for Soarin, other wise I'm able to walk on every ride, including TT (single rider). I can spend 4 hours in FW just going from ride to ride and looking at everything there is to see. As far as WS, I have been known to spend from 11 until close there and I've been at least 25 times. Heck, just watching the performers is going to take a few hours in itself.

 

[minnie mum]

No FPs and no advance planning despite advice. OK, that's a personal decision. But all the rest? The word oblivious springs to mind. The blame for the disappointment can be laid right at their own feet.

 

[hoosll]

I always warn people that WDW is not like any park that they have ever been to ... the best things are INSIDE! You cannot see them while strolling around and the map helps but s best to get a guidebook and read about the various rides and attractions in advance.

 

[kiford]

I always warn people that WDW is not like any park that they have ever been to ... the best things are INSIDE!

Actually, one of the things we like about Epcot is that you don't have to go into any of the attractions to have a good day. We sometimes just spend time walking around and watching the various performers at the different countries. Acrobats in China, mime and acrobats in France, bellydancer in Morocco, etc. We usually spend at least one afternoon doing nothing but that. During December, when we usually go, is even better because you can watch the special holiday celebrations or stories in each country.

The thing that most surprises me about the OP's friend is that she didn't know about the fireworks. Disney is known for their fireworks at all of their parks. It's kind of like going to Paris, coming back and saying that you didn't know that you could go up the Eiffel Tower.

 

[chicagogrl]

Yup she just thought the fireworks were at magic kingdom.

 

[bryanb]

That sounds like a Disney dream guest. Full price admission very little activities and then leaving. That's the type of person Iger will tell you loved FP+ because it got them in and out of the park quicker.

That made me chuckle. That said, over the long term, in all seriousness, Disney wants people to enjoy themselves. People with poor experiences spread negative word-of-mouth and don't come back. Increasing demand for tickets is what has always allowed ticket prices to increase.

 

[kaybird]

We have seen people like this every trip. No clue that most of the rides and attractions are in buildings. If they don't see a roller coaster or a ferris wheel, they think there is nothing to do.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

It sounds like they totally missed the cool stuff in the buildings like the display in Morocco and Japan.

I remember my first trip which was when I was an adult and walking around World Showcase opening doors - I'd read about what to look for in a Fodor's Guide. My husband kept telling me not to do that until I showed him there was cool stuff inside some of the buildings.

I think he was worried I'd get kicked out for opening employee doors or something.

 

[chicagogrl]

Well she will go back she said to see what she missed!!

 

[nanienamou]

This is just so weird for me... I'm a planner, I know, but I just can't understand how somebody would pay Disney's admission price without even having an idea of what there is to see and do in the parks. That being said, I find that I always underestimate the time we spend in the World Showcase. It's such a nice stroll and exploring all the exhibits/shows/performers/food/shops takes many many hours.